Fairhaven residents gather to remember 66-year-old Harvey Zoerb

Over 100 people gathered in H.S. Sears Park in Fairhaven on Thursday night to walk in memory and support of the late Harvey Zoerb and his family.

One month ago today, Zoerb was killed in the early morning hours near Fairhaven Elementary School.

The investigation forced Fairhaven School to cancel classes for the day and a plea from the Saskatoon Police asking residents in that area to check their yards, garbage bins and doorbell or security cameras for evidence that could be used to help the investigation.

Over 100 people walk in memory of Harvey Zoerb. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)

One month since Zoerb’s death, that plea from Saskatoon Police is still continuing as they’re searching for potential suspects. No suspects have been identified and nobody has been arrested so far.

Some people walking in support of Zoerb and his family were from the Fairhaven neighbourhood. Some knew him personally, while others had seen him walking around the neighbourhood before, but had never spoken with him.

Zoerb was known as a guy who could be seen walking around the neigbourhood and going to 7-Eleven to get his coffee in the mornings.

“It’s just important to show solidarity within our community,” said Clay Engedahl who lives in Fairhaven. “We’re here to support everybody no matter what’s going on — the good and the bad and to show the family we do care what happens to everyone around here and that we’re going to fight to keep our neighbourhood.”

Engedahl said it was concerning to hear about Zoerb’s death.

“It’s horrible. An innocent person. Nobody deserves that. (He was) just a guy going about his daily business and a random attack for no reason,” Engedahl said. “It’s concerning police are still looking for suspects because we don’t know if we’re safe walking around (Fairhaven) yet.”

Garland Mochoruk used to live in the area but moved away over two decades ago. He has a relation to Zoerb through his brother.

“Hopefully somebody will come along and bring any piece of news forward,” he explained.

Mochoruk is hopeful the walk can bring more attention to the situation.

A cross is placed next to flowers outside of H.S. Sears Park to remember Harvey Zoerb. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)

Both Engedahl and Mochoruk said they don’t feel safe walking around Fairhaven.

“Before the Wellness Centre? No problem. We were out all the time at night going for walks. Since it’s opened? Not at all,” Engedahl stated. “I don’t like to leave the yard — we don’t go for walks — you go in groups if you’re going to go. You just always kind of look over your shoulder when you’re opening your garage and taking groceries out of your car.”

Zoerb spent time playing guitar and singing — and especially loved the Johnny Cash song “Folsom Prison Blues.” He enjoyed going for coffee with friends at Market Mall, or for dessert at the Blue Diamond Restaurant.

“Absolutely not. I don’t feel safe going over to the doughnut place here anymore,” said Mochoruk. “We don’t shop in the local stores we used to — the parking lots aren’t safe — I won’t let my wife go by herself — It’s not a good neighbourhood anymore, which is unfortunate because it’s a beautiful part of the city.”

Engedahl wants the city to step in and help fix Fairhaven.

“It’s time to fix this mess. We all know this Wellness Centre is anything but a Wellness Centre, it’s a homeless shelter. It’s a disgrace, it’s ruined our parks. You don’t see kids playing ball, you don’t see kids in the park, you don’t see families out,” he explained.

“I know the guy that runs the ball diamonds (and) they’ve moved all their tournaments to Martensville. We want our neighbourhood back. It’s time for the city to stand up and answer to this and the Government of Saskatchewan. Let’s get it fixed,” said Engedahl.